Tips For Preventing Gymnastics Injuries

Health & Medical Blog

Gymnastics injuries are varied. The sport itself involves a lot of twisting, flipping, weight-bearing stresses that can have a dramatic impact on virtually all the joints and muscles in the body. Common injuries sustained while performing gymnastics include damage to the ankles and feet, wrists, knees, shoulders and hands. Luckily, many of these injuries are preventable. These tips will help you avoid sustaining injuries during long hours of practice and competition. 

Prepare Before Performing

Follow a routine to get ready before any gymnastics event, whether it's a regular practice or a lengthy competition. 

• Stretch. Stretching increases blood flow to the joints and improves range of motion. Perform stretches before any exercise to wake up your muscles and to help ensure that you're in peak condition before you begin complex physical tasks.
• Wear all necessary safety gear. Wrist guards, elbow braces, hand grips, elbow braces and more are commonly used by gymnasts to protect their bodies during their normal routines. Do not perform gymnastic routines without wearing all the appropriate accessories. 

Prepare for New Moves

Doing new moves can be dangerous unless you're fully prepared. These tips will help you get ready. 

• Consult with your coach before trying a new move. Your coach will need to walk you through a new move at first. This may involve showing you the move, asking you to watch a tape of the move, helping you perform the move in slow motion and more. Before beginning, double check with your coach to ensure that you two have an understanding and you know exactly what to do. 
• Work with a spotter or safety harness when recommended. Always work with a safety harness or a spotter if you have been told to do so by your coach. Do not attempt to do a dangerous new move on your own. 

Do Not Attempt to Perform When Injured

If you were recently injured and have not been treated, or if you're experiencing unexpected or abnormal pain in any of your joints or muscles, don't ignore it. Seek help from a skilled and experienced healthcare provider. Treating problems early can help you avoid bigger problems down the road. 

If you are experiencing a flare up of an old injury, playing through the pain can exacerbate old injuries and may also lead to new injuries. If you're currently participating in an injury rehabilitation program, speak with your healthcare professional to ensure that you've recovered enough to perform. If you're only cleared to participate in certain events or activities, don't push yourself beyond these boundaries. Complete all necessary rehabilitation at a professional facility, like Eagle Center Physical Therapy, before getting back to your normal routines.

For more information about how you can protect yourself from gymnastics injuries, speak with your healthcare professional. 

19 June 2015